Things to do in Sydney CBD

Rydges Darling Square is perfectly located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD for shopping, dining out and exploring the sights of Sydney.

Just up the road, a three-minute walk, we have the World Square precinct, with a variety of different retailers offering fashion, homewares, gifts and lifestyle items is available. The precinct is also home to multiple supermarkets, including Coles. We are also not far from Pitt Street Mall, which is one of the busiest shopping strips in the world. There’s Sydney City Plaza and Westfield Sydney with four floors of designer brand fashion as well as the department stores, Myer and David Jones. While here you can take the lift up to the Sydney Tower Eye for an amazing view of the city from the Observation Deck.

To combine architecture and old world charm with terrific contemporary shopping options, head to The Strand Arcade and the beautiful QVB (Queen Victoria Building). The Strand opened in 1892 and was named after London’s famous shopping street. The QVB takes up a whole block, is wonderfully grand and full of atmosphere – it is home to more than 200 specialty shops and it worth the window shop stroll just to soak in the ambience.

For a relaxing walk or somewhere just to sit away from the city hustle, Hyde Park is always rewarding. This delightful, green heart of the city covers 16 hectares. It is Australia’s oldest public parkland and there are grassy expanses and hundreds of huge leafy trees. The park is divided by the appropriately named Park Street. The north side of the Park (to Macquarie Street) is home to the Archibald Fountain. The south (Rydges World Square side) is home to the Anzac Memorial and the Pool of Reflection. At various times the park hosts concerts, festivals and food & wine fairs.

Darling Harbour is a jewel in Sydney’s crown and it is an enjoyable stroll from Rydges World Square. There are many attractions like the Chinese Garden of Friendship, Madame Tussauds, the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, the Powerhouse Museum, the Wildlife Sydney Zoo, IMAX Theatre and the Australian National Maritime Museum.

The Australian Museum (across Hyde Park on the corner of College and Park Streets) is architecturally stunning and home to many treasures, especially in the areas of natural history and anthropology. It opens every day except Christmas Day and is a really interesting sojourn. It is a short walk from here (down College Street with Hyde Park on your left) to St Mary’s Cathedral, the Art Gallery of New South Wales and The Domain and Royal Botanic Gardens. Nearby Macquarie Street is also rewarding and is home to The Mint, the NSW Parliament, the State Library and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

The bottom of Macquarie Street leads to Sydney Harbour with the Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay, Museum of Contemporary Art, The Rocks and one of the city’s best attractions, BridgeClimb.

For dining out close to Rydges World Square there are plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants a short walk away. Dixon Street and Chinatown are just across George Street on the way to Darling Habour where there are also many options (head to Cockle Bay).

Still want to see more? Explore whatelse Sydney has to offer by Ferry! You can catch the light rail or train down to circular quay then jump aboad one of the ferry services to see Luna Park, Cockatoo Island, Taronga Zoo, and Manly!

Need somewhere to stay close to all the action? Spend the night at Rydges Darling Square! Located in the centre of all the action. Check out our accommodation packages options today or contact our friendly team on +61 2 8268 8888.